After eventually dropping off our hire car we were picked up by Elizabeth and Jane for our stay in Edinburgh. Since then it has been a whirl as they took us around this wonderful city pointing out buildings, important sites, landmarks and extending our limited knowledge os Scotland's capital. Luckily our arrival coincided with their "Doors Open" weekend so we were able to see inside a number of otherwise closed buildings. Below are some photos from the Mansfield Traquair Centre which feature the truly exquisite murals of Phoebe Anna Traquair. Built in 1885 as a Catholic Apostolic Church, it has been restored and preserved to its former glory and is a spectacular venue for weddings etc today.
Gail and Jane outside Edinburgh Castle
Looking down the Royal Mile across the parade ground
We walked down cobblestones streets, Wynds, Closes and narrow alleyways, viewed Mews (former stables now upmarket flats) and generally spend the days gawking at the wonderful splendour of this old city.
St Giles Cathedral
Arthur's Seat, situated in the centre of Edinburgh, can be seen from almost everywhere. It is a wilderness park which is very popular with locals who walk its paths and climb its hills for the great views.
view from Arthur's Seat
On our way to Edinburgh we had stopped at Falkirk where we saw the famous Falkirk Wheel - it is is a rotating boat lift in Scotland, connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. The wheel raises boats by 24 metres and is the only rotating boat lift of its kind in the world.
Although no boats actually used the wheel whilst we were there we did see it rotate a couple of times (movement for we tourists I can only assume)
We continued our tour of Edinburgh, led expertly by Elizabeth. First we visited Portobello which is only a step out of the city with its long wide beach and promenade. In its heyday it was an area of amusement arcades and some permanent funfair attractions, including of course, Punch and Judy shows. It is experiencing a revival of sorts as up-market apartments appear and community led activities attract visitors. On the side of the promenade is the Portobello Community Garden with its three Coade Stone Pillars dating from the early 19th century.They are listed structures which used to stand in the garden of Argyle House
Back into the city we visited the Union Canal which runs from Falkirk (the Falkirk Wheel) to Edinburgh. Constructed to bring minerals, especially coal, to the capital, it was opened in 1822 and was initially successful. The construction of railways in 1842 saw its value diminished as a transport medium and it fell into slow commercial decline and became disused in the 1930s. Interest in canals generally saw its revival and it is now in popular use for leisure craft.
Gail and I then wandered down High Street (the Royal Mile) by ourselves for a couple of hours, visiting the People’s Story Museum which explores the lives of Edinburgh’s ordinary people at work and play from the late 18th century to today, before ending up at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is the official residence of the Queen when she visits Scotland and has served as the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 16th century, and is a setting for state occasions and official entertaining.
Finally, on our last night in Scotland we met up with Elizabeth, Jane and Alison and Lloyd Jenkins (from Pambula) for dinner in the Sheep Heid Inn. There has reputedly been a pub on this spot selling liquor and victuals since 1360. If this foundation date was proved correct it would make The Sheep Heid Inn perhaps the oldest surviving licensed premises in Edinburgh, if not Scotland. It was a pleasant way to finish our great tour of this wonderful country. Before dinner though we visited Dr Neil's Garden or "the secret garden" which is a delightful area lying next to the twelfth-century Duddingston Kirk, where the lower slopes of Arthur's Seat meet Duddingston Loch. This secluded garden is the result of the imagination, dedication and sheer hard work of Drs. Andrew and Nancy Neil.
The horse mounting steps and "punishment noose" outside the kirk.
Sunset view from the garden
Alison, Lloyd, Jane, Colin, Gail and Elizabeth in the Sheep Heid.
Below are some photos from the Mansfield Traquair Centre which feature the truly exquisite murals of Phoebe Anna Traquair. Built in 1885 as a Catholic Apostolic Church, it has been restored and preserved to its former glory and is a spectacular venue for weddings etc today.
The wheel raises boats by 24 metres and is the only rotating boat lift of its kind in the world.
Although no boats actually used the wheel whilst we were there we did see it rotate a couple of times (movement for we tourists I can only assume)
Back into the city we visited the Union Canal which runs from Falkirk (the Falkirk Wheel) to Edinburgh. Constructed to bring minerals, especially coal, to the capital, it was opened in 1822 and was initially successful. The construction of railways in 1842 saw its value diminished as a transport medium and it fell into slow commercial decline and became disused in the 1930s. Interest in canals generally saw its revival and it is now in popular use for leisure craft.
Gail and I then wandered down High Street (the Royal Mile) by ourselves for a couple of hours, visiting the People’s Story Museum which explores the lives of Edinburgh’s ordinary people at work and play from the late 18th century to today, before ending up at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is the official residence of the Queen when she visits Scotland and has served as the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 16th century, and is a setting for state occasions and official entertaining.
Before dinner though we visited Dr Neil's Garden or "the secret garden" which is a delightful area lying next to the twelfth-century Duddingston Kirk, where the lower slopes of Arthur's Seat meet Duddingston Loch. This secluded garden is the result of the imagination, dedication and sheer hard work of Drs. Andrew and Nancy Neil.